Nonlinear Rayleigh Taylor Hydrodynamics on the Omega laser

We will show calibrated images from experiments to study the development of the Rayleigh Taylor instability at a decelerating interface, a mechanism that affects the evolution of supernovae, supernova remnants, and related systems. These experiments are designed to be well scaled from astrophysical systems to the laboratory. They begin by using the laser to drive a strong shock into a target material. After the laser ends, a rarefaction overtakes the shock, forming a blast wave. The blast wave shocks a structured interface, which then decelerates. We have explored the development of Rayleigh Taylor from initial 2D perturbations with one, two, or 8 modes present, and from initial 3D, single-mode perturbations. There are indications in the data of bubble merger and possibly of the onset of turbulence.